Football Recap: Cocoa Takes Down Newberry in a Playoff Battle

It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Cocoa had no problem doing just that on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Newberry Panthers 42-13. The Tigers' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Champ Smith

Passing Touchdowns (Career)

11/14/25 vs Newberry	4
10/24/25 @ Astronaut	3
10/30/25 @ Rockledge	1
10/17/25 vs The Villages Charter	1
09/12/25 @ Heritage	1

Champ Smith was a one-man wrecking crew as he threw for 287 yards and four touchdowns. Those four passing touchdowns gave him a new career-high. Tank White was Smith's top target, picking up 77 receiving yards and one TD.

On the other side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Cocoa's defense and their four sacks. Gregory Graham was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up two himself. Kyree Brooks was another major factor on D, making 18 total tackles (3.0 for loss).

The win was the fourth in a row for Cocoa, bringing their record up to 6-4. Those victories came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 5.5 points on average over those games. As for Newberry, their loss dropped their record down to 5-6.

Looking ahead, Cocoa will challenge Calvary Christian at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Tigers will need to watch out since the Warriors have now posted at least 31 points in their last six matchups. Newberry does not have any more games scheduled as of now.